When I lowered my truck I put some shackles and pulled the middle leaf spring in the rear. That adds up to about a 4'' drop. I can hardly stand it anymore so i was thinking maybe hotchkis drop leaf springs or stock springs w/ hangers. Would there be a big difference in the comfort of the ride between these? What do you have?

 

I should have told you a 4" drop is very uncomfortable in the rear when you hit bumps. I busted a brake line once driving around in my brick.

 

mine rides pretty good
Taking out the middle leaf was prob a mistake.
The only one I have removed in the past is the helper - (bottom one )
Shackles would give you 2"
I would put the leaf back in - remove the helper
and maybe replace the hanger
If not replace the leaf assy.

 

I've also wondered how much better the Hotchkis leafs would ride

I have a 'asjustable' leaf spring from Bettes Spring in Cali (ordered from a guy from Doetsch Tech) and the ride is ok with stock shocks, but not as good as I'd like it to be. Much to stiff with Edelbrock shocks.

 

I was in the same boat as you. Went from Hangers and shackles with stock springs in the back, to taking out the overload spring, and it still rode like crap. I ended up putting the stock hangers back on and putting the hotchkiss leaf springs in the back. I have a much better ride now. I still have the lowered controll arms in the front, and never had a problem with them. I dont think any drop can ride like it did stock.

 

On the highway mine is smooth
In town - it is a little hard but not harsh
The IAS really helped with the back.
I ordered the 2/4 kit.
I like - rides pretty good - I am a ECSB - so longer wheelbase.
I am yet to bottom out or hit the stops.

 

Leaf Spring sucK
I had hotchkis Leafs in the rear for a while with Edelbrock shocks
It wouldn't hook for ****
I ended up pulling the setup for a a 4 link with Coilovers and adjustable shocks
It rides awesome better than stock
I highly recommend it to anyone
Cost about $900.00 plus some labour but well worth it by the time you buy a traction aid like caltracs

 

Do you still have the hotchkis front coils with the 4-link out back? What 4-link kit did you go with? This is something I have been thinking of doing myself.

12sec5.3... I have grown to hate my hotchkis setup when ever I go see the GF in New Orleans. But you know how bad the roads are... I dont think you could get any suspension to ride good over there.

 

I had a Hotchkis on my 99 ex cab (this kit used the drop leafs). After about 6 months i could not stand it anymore and went to DJM. Shackle kit with stock leaf springs was WAY better for me.

 

I have though of doing this also. Will that mess up by cutting donuts or fishtailing? Do you have any pics?